G2 unveils new Software Intelligence Platforms category

G2, the business software marketplace, has recently introduced a new Software Intelligence Platforms category, with CAST Imaging emerging as the frontrunner in all performance metrics. The implementation of this category highlights the growing need for software intelligence solutions among software-intensive businesses and public enterprises, owing to the detailed insights these technologies provide into custom-built software frameworks.

The new category was created to accommodate platforms that offer IT executives and practitioners an in-depth understanding of their software architecture, code performance, and technical debt. These solutions commonly use advanced analytics combined with visual dependency maps to break down complex codebases. As a result, teams are equipped to make well-informed decisions regarding code maintenance, refactoring, and development strategies, as well as oversight and reporting on essential initiatives.

CAST's two principal products, CAST Highlight and CAST Imaging, are prominently featured in this category. CAST Highlight delivers rapid insights across application portfolios, functioning as a control tower that can automatically analyse the source code of multiple applications within hours. The product provides actionable insights concerning software health, cloud maturity, software composition analysis, and green impact. Its built-in surveys add an organisational context layer, facilitating smarter portfolio governance, accelerated cloud modernisation, improved open-source risk control, and more sustainable software practices.

CAST Imaging, often dubbed as the 'MRI for software,' reverse-engineers all database structures, code components, and interdependencies within complex software systems down to the smallest details. This product visually maps the myriad code elements and their relationships into a living knowledge base that represents the internal architecture. This process aids architects and developers in swiftly locating necessary code elements. Unlike static code analysis tools or bug tracking software, software intelligence platforms like CAST Imaging provide a deeper analysis of a codebase's anatomy, guiding strategic decisions for engineers and IT leaders.

Luc Perard, Vice President of CAST Imaging, remarked, "Our products are designed to empower software executives and practitioners alike whenever they need to know, report, improve, transform, or control their complex applications and software estates." Perard noted that the inception of the new category is a testament to the increasing demand for software intelligence as an essential component of technology development.

G2 evaluates products and sellers based on reviews from its user community, along with data aggregated from online sources and social networks. These scores aid buyers in comparing products, simplifying the procurement process, and swiftly identifying the best products based on peer experiences.

Adam Crivello, a Research Analyst at G2, stated, "The establishment of the Software Intelligence Platforms category by G2 signifies a shift towards more strategic and informed software development practices." He added that with G2 pioneering this field and category leaders driving innovation, software intelligence is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years.